Jennifer Savastino never planned to work in pest control. But as she spent the last three decades building Gannon Pest Control into a modern family business dedicated to protecting local homes, she used that same leadership to make a lasting impact on the Central New York community.
Because Syracuse Woman Magazine exists to highlight local Syracuse women who actively improve our region, they chose Jennifer for the cover of their November 2026 Philanthropy Edition. We are thrilled to share this three-page feature honoring her impact.
From the Court System to Pest Control
Jennifer was working in the New York State court system when her stepfather, Billy, asked her to join him in buying a small company from fellow Syracuse firefighter Ed Gannon. She said yes without knowing exactly why, and the decision led to nearly three decades of building a business she came to love.
The early days meant a few part-time employees, handwritten schedules, and paperwork everywhere. Jennifer pushed for better technology and clearer communication with customers, and the company grew into a team of about 20. Today our technicians track appointments and treatment plans on tablets, and customers can order and schedule service online.
Jennifer says the numbers were never what she was proudest of. It’s the people who helped her get there and the reputation they built together.
A Business Built on Family
Gannon Pest Control has always been a family business. Jennifer's mother, Sharon, was the heart of customer service, making callers feel like they were talking with a friend. Billy brought a strong work ethic and a plain philosophy about taking care of people, and he kept his old map books and paper work orders in use until the end.
We lost Sharon in 2021, and Billy in 2024, and their care for customers still shapes how we answer the phone and treat every home we visit. You can read more on our About page.
Building a Place Where Everyone Belongs
Fittingly for the Philanthropy Edition, the cover story highlights Jennifer's dedication to the community just as much as her success with Gannon.
Her involvement with Syracuse Challenger Baseball began in 2004, and more than 20 years later, she serves as the program director and an executive board member. As president of the Friends of DeWitt Parks Board, she also helped lead the vision for the Superfield of Dreams, an accessible park in DeWitt for athletes of all abilities.
Her goal was for every athlete walking through the gates to feel the park was built for them. Carrier Park and Syracuse Challenger Baseball marked the feature with a full-page tribute congratulating her. County Executive Ryan McMahon also recently appointed her to the Friends of the Onondaga Aquarium Board of Directors.
Community involvement runs through our company too. We sponsor a local special-needs baseball team, as well as other local sports teams and charities. You can see them all on our charities page.
What's Next for Gannon Pest Control
As Jennifer looks toward the future, her focus remains rooted in the community and the families Gannon Pest Control serves. She doesn’t believe someone has to take on the whole world to make a meaningful impact. In her words:
"I don't think you have to change the whole world to make a difference. Sometimes you just have to make your little corner of it a better place."
Her corner of Central New York takes more than one shape. At the Superfield of Dreams, she helped build a welcoming park where athletes of all abilities belong. At Gannon Pest Control, she has built a dedicated team that protects our neighbors' homes—so families can cook dinner without ants in the kitchen or sleep comfortably without pests in the walls.
While the scale is different, the mission stays the same. Whether the work involves an accessible ballpark or a home pest inspection, Jennifer and our team remain committed to taking care of the people next door.
Read the Full Story in the Syracuse Woman Magazine
Make sure to check out the full 2026 Philanthropy Edition of Syracuse Woman Magazine to read the full story, from the first handwritten schedules to the ballpark in DeWitt. The November 2026 issue is free at more than 350 locations across the Syracuse area, and you can read the full Philanthropy Edition online. Jennifer's cover story begins on page 25, with writing by Janelle Davis and photography by Alice G. Patterson.
Congratulations, Jennifer, and thank you to Syracuse Woman Magazine for sharing her story. The same care she brings to her community comes with every Gannon visit, and our technicians keep you informed through every step of the pest control process.
If pests are crowding your corner of Central New York, call (315) 872-2558 or request service online, and our team will take care of your home.